Hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly

ABSTRACT

A hatch cover assembly for a hopper railroad car includes a door configured to move from an open position to a closed position, a running track configured to support the door in the open position, a roller assembly attached to the door and configured to move along the running track, a locking clip configured to engage a leading edge of the door, and an actuator configured to move the door between the open position and the closed position.

BACKGROUND

The railroad industry employs a variety of different known railroad carsfor transporting different goods and materials. For example, knownhopper railroad cars often carry bulk materials such as grain, and aresometimes call “hopper cars.” Known hopper cars often include one ormore openable top hatches that seal the top of the hopper car (when thehopper car is not being loaded) to protect the materials in the hoppercar from the elements and other external sources. Known hopper cars alsooften include one or more discharge chutes at the bottom of the hoppercar for unloading the materials from the hopper car. Known hopper carsinclude one or more compartments, and may include one or more internalwalls that provide structure to the hopper car and that direct materialtoward the discharge chute(s).

To load various known hopper cars, the hopper car is positionedunderneath a material loading assembly, and the top hatch(es) areopened. This often requires heavy machinery and/or a worker to bephysically present on the top of the hopper car to open the tophatch(es). For example, certain known top hatches are relatively heavyand difficult to operate. Certain known top hatches have a hinge andopen upwardly like a door. These relatively heavy top hatches can put asignificant strain on undersized lifting equipment. This is particularlythe case when the lifting of the top hatch is done only via therespective opposite ends of the top hatch. It should be appreciated thatlarger actuators and/or other equipment can significantly increase thecost of manufacturing, can change the aerodynamic performance of thehopper car, and can complicate the construction of a hopper car.

Thus, there is a continuing to provide improved hopper railroad cars,such as hopper railroad cars that improve the material loading process.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an improved hatchcover assembly for a hopper car. Various embodiments of the presentdisclosure provide a hopper cars with such an improved hatch coverassembly.

More specifically, in various example embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the hatch cover assembly includes: (a) a running trackconnectable to a roof of a hopper railroad car; (b) a door movable froman open position to a closed position relative to a coaming of thehopper railroad car, the door supportable by the running track when inthe open position; (c) a roller assembly attached to the door andmovable along the running track; (d) a locking clip engageable with aleading edge of the door; and (e) an actuator configured to move thedoor between the open position and the closed position.

In various other example embodiments of the present disclosure, thehopper railroad car includes a frame, trucks, wheels, two spaced apartside walls, a roof connected to the side walls and including a coamingdefining a top opening of the hopper car, and a hatch cover assemblyconnected to the roof. In various such embodiments, the hatch coverassembly includes: (a) a running track connectable to the roof; (b) adoor moveable from an open position to a closed position relative to thecoaming; (c) a roller assembly attached to the door and moveable alongthe running track; (d) a locking clip engageable with a leading edge ofthe door; and (e) an actuator configured to move the door between theopen position and the closed position.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure willbe apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like referencenumerals refer to like parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an example hopper car of thepresent disclosure that is configured to transport a variety of bulkmaterials, shown without the hatch cover assembly of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the roof the examplehopper car of FIG. 1 and an example the hatch cover assembly of thepresent disclosure shown attached to the roof of the hopper car andshown in the closed position.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary rear perspective view of the roof andof the hatch cover assembly of the example hopper car of FIGS. 1 and 2,and showing the hatch cover assembly in an open position.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary front perspective view of the roof andthe hatch cover assembly of the example hopper car of FIGS. 1 and 2, andshowing the hatch cover assembly in a closed position.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary front cross-sectional perspective viewof the roof and the hatch cover assembly of the example hopper car ofFIGS. 1 and 2 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4, and showing the hatchcover assembly in a closed position.

FIG. 6 an enlarged perspective fragmentary bottom view of a front end ofthe hatch cover of the example hopper car of FIGS. 1 and 2, showing aleading edge gasket, a trailing edge gasket, and an end gasket assemblycross-hatched solely to distinguish from the other components shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross section front view of the hatch coverassembly of the hopper car of FIGS. 1 and 2, and showing the hatch coverassembly in the open position.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross section front view of the hatch coverassembly of the hopper car of FIGS. 1 and 2, and showing the hatch coverassembly in a partially open position.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross section front view of the hatch coverassembly 100 of the hopper car of FIGS. 1 and 2, and showing the hatchcover assembly in the closed position.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of a second hatch coverassembly in the closed position, showing an interior view of a hoppercar wherein wire bridges are pivotally attached to and hanging down fromrunners of a door of the second hatch cover assembly.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross section view of the hatch cover assembly ofFIG. 10 in the open position, showing a wire bridge in contact with thecoaming.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross section view of the hatch cover assembly ofFIG. 10 in the closed position, showing a wire bridge hanging down froma runner in the interior of a hopper car.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the features, devices, and apparatus described herein may beembodied in various forms, the drawings show and the specificationdescribe certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments. Not all of thecomponents shown in the drawings and described in the specification maybe required, and certain implementations may include additional,different, or fewer components. Variations in the arrangement and typeof the components; the shapes, sizes, and materials of the components;and the manners of connections of the components may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwiseindicated, any directions referred to in the specification reflect theorientations of the components shown in the corresponding drawings anddo not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Further, terms thatrefer to mounting methods, such as coupled, mounted, connected, and thelike, are not intended to be limited to direct mounting methods butshould be interpreted broadly to include indirect and operably coupled,mounted, connected and like mounting methods. This specification isintended to be taken as a whole and interpreted in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure and as understood by one ofordinary skill in the art.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a hatch coverassembly that automatically opens and closes, thus providing significantbenefits. The hatch cover assembly facilitates automatic opening andclosing, without requiring large or expensive actuators. In variousembodiments, the hatch cover assembly includes a door that slidessideways to both open and close. The hatch cover assembly includessuitable gaskets configured to engage the coaming at an respectiveangles, enabling the hatch cover assembly to be opened and closedwithout requiring a vertical lifting movement of the door (orsubstantial vertical lifting of the door). This enables the use ofsmaller actuators, results in less costs and less complexity, whilestill providing automatic opening and closing of the hatch coverassembly. The present disclosure also eliminates the need for a personto be physically present on top of the hopper car to open and close thehatch cover for the loading of the hopper car.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 partially illustrate anexample hopper car 10 to which the hatch cover assembly of the presentdisclosure can be attached. The illustrated example hopper car 10generally includes: (1) a frame (not labeled); (2) spaced apart trucks(such as truck 12) configured to support the frame; (3) a plurality ofwheels (such as wheel 14) that support the trucks; (4) a first side wall20 connected to and supported by the frame; (5) a second side wall 22connected to and supported by the frame; (6) a rear wall 25 connected toand supported by the frame; (7) a front wall (not shown or labeled)connected to and supported by the frame; and (8) a roof 28 connected toand supported by the side walls and the frame. The side walls 20 and 22are spaced apart. The end walls are also spaced apart. The hopper car 10generally includes a front end 24 (or A-End) and a rear end 26 (orB-End). It should be appreciated that the configuration and size of thehopper car may vary in accordance with the present disclosure.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the roof 28 generally includes:(1) a curved panel 30; and (2) a coaming 40 connected to and upwardlyextending from the curved panel 30.

The curved panel 30 is connected to the side walls 20 and 22 of thehopper car 10. The curved panel 30 is elevated in the middle (from sideto side), such that the panel 30 is higher in the middle and is lower atthe respective connection points to the respective side walls 20 and 22.This enables the curved panel 30 to deflect rain, snow, and otherobjects off the hopper car 10. The curved panel 30 may be made fromsteel, aluminum, an alloy of metals, or any other suitable material. Thecurved panel 30 is illustrated as having a symmetrical curvature.However, it should be appreciated that the curvature may be asymmetricalin accordance with the present disclosure. Further, it should beappreciated that the roof 28 may include a flat (i.e., not curved)panel, a panel including one or more sharp bends rather than a gradualcurve, or a panel having a curvature different from that shown in theFigures in accordance with the present disclosure. In addition, the roof28 may include a single panel, or multiple panels connected together inaccordance with the present disclosure.

The coaming 40 (shown best in FIGS. 3, 7, 8, and 9) generally includes:(1) an upright portion 42; (2) a curved or bent top portion 44; (3) aninner surface 46; and (4) an outer surface 48. The coaming 40 defines anobround opening 50 through which material can be loaded into the hoppercar 10. The coaming 40 extends around the opening 50, defining an outerperimeter of the opening 50. The coaming 40 extends above the surface ofthe roof 28, and in particular extends above the curved panel 30. Morespecifically, the upright portion 42 of the coaming 40 extends from thetop of the curved panel 30. The curved top portion 44 extends from a topof the upright portion 42, and bends in an arc outward away from theopening 50. When viewed from above, the coaming 40 appears as a ring inthe shape of the opening 50, positioned on the perimeter. The curved orbent top portion 44 of the coaming 40 includes an inner surface 46 andan outer surface 48. The inner surface 46 runs along an inside of thecoaming 40 adjacent to the opening 50, thereby forming a ring around theopening 50. FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 illustrate that the inner surface 46 is onboth sides of the opening 50, facing inward toward the opening 50. Theinner surface 46 extends from a connection point between the uprightportion 42 and the curved portion 44 to the topmost part of the coaming40. The outer surface 48 runs along an outside of the coaming 40opposite the opening 50, thereby forming a ring around the opening 50concentric with the ring formed by the inner surface 46. FIGS. 7, 8, and9 illustrate that the outer surface 48 is on both sides of the opening50, facing outward away from the opening 50. The outer surface 48extends from the top most part of the coaming 40 to the end of thecurved portion 44 opposite the upright portion 42. In this manner, thecurved top portion 44 is split into a portion including the innersurface 46 and a portion including the outer surface 48. The coaming 40may be made from steel or any other suitable material. In theillustrated example, the coaming 40 defines an obround shaped opening 50(i.e., two semicircular ends connected by parallel lines). It should beappreciated that other shaped openings 50 may also be used. For example,the opening 50 may be a rectangle, circle, oval, or any other suitableshape in accordance with the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 9, an example hatch cover assembly 100 ofthe present disclosure is generally shown. The example illustrated hatchcover assembly 100 includes: (1) an elongated movable door 200; (2) aplurality of running tracks 300; (3) a plurality of locking clips 400;(4) a plurality of roller assemblies 500; and (5) one or more actuators600. The hatch cover assembly 100 is suitably attached to the roof 28,and more particularly to the curved panel 30. The hatch cover assemblyis configured to securely engage the coaming 40 in a closed position anddisengage from the coaming 40 in open positions (including a fully openposition). The hatch cover assembly 100 is configured to seal and unsealthe hopper car 10 by moving from the closed position to the fully openposition, and vice versa. The hatch cover assembly 100 is shown theclosed position in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 9, in the fully open position inFIGS. 3 and 7, and in a partially open position in FIG. 8.

The example illustrated door 200 of the hatch cover assembly 100generally includes: (1) an elongated panel 210; (2) a leading edgegasket 222; (3) a trailing edge gasket 224; and (4) two end gasketassemblies 230. The door 200 is configured to slide substantially in ahorizontal direction between the open position and the closed position,and to engage the coaming 40 to provide multiple different seals withthe coaming 40.

The elongated panel 210 is generally rectangular, and has (1) a frontend (or A-End) 212, (2) a rear end (or B-End) 214, (3) a leading edge216, (4) a trailing edge 218, and (5) a downwardly extending centerportion 220. The downwardly extending center portion 220 extends belowthe leading edge gasket 222 and the trailing edge gasket 220, as shownbest in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9. The downwardly extending center portion 220acts as a running surface for the elongated panel 210, contacting thecoaming 40 as the door 200 slides from the fully open position to theclosed position and vice versa. The elongated panel can be made fromsteel or any other suitable material in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

The leading edge gasket 222 and the trailing edge gasket 224 areconnected to the elongated panel 210 proximate the leading edge 216 andtrailing edge 218, respectively. It should be appreciated that theleading edge gasket 222 and trailing edge gasket 224, along with the twoend gasket assemblies 230, may be a single gasket that extends aroundthe elongated panel 210 to align with the coaming 40. As such, thedistinction between the leading edge gasket 222, trailing edge gasket224, and end gasket assemblies 230 may be simply that each of these is asection or portion of a single continuous gasket.

In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the leading edge gasket 222 isconnected to the elongated panel 210 at an angle (e.g., such as at a30-60 degree angle). The leading edge gasket has a cross section that isapproximately three inches (approximately 7.62 cms) by one inch(approximately 2.54 cms), and the longer side of the gasket ispositioned such that it contacts the inner surface 46 of the coaming 40when in the closed position. The leading edge gasket 222 partiallydeforms to engage the inner surface 46 of the coaming 40 such that theleading edge gasket 222 curves to follow the contour of the coaming 40.In certain cases, the leading edge gasket 222 may deform such that itprimarily engages the inner surface 46 of the coaming 40. However, itshould be appreciated that the leading edge gasket 222 may partiallyengage with the top and/or outer surface 48 of the coaming 40 dependingon the amount of deformity and angle at which the leading edge gasket222 is attached. Similarly, the trailing edge gasket 224 is connected tothe elongated panel 210 at an angle (e.g., such as at a 45 degreeangle). The angle of the trailing edge gasket may be the same ordifferent from the angle of the leading edge gasket 222 in accordancewith the present disclosure. Additionally, the angle of the leading edgegasket 222 and the trailing edge gasket 224 is such that they are angledin the same direction in this example of the present disclosure. Thetrailing edge gasket 224 is positioned such that it contacts the outersurface 48 of the coaming 40, on the side of the opening 50 oppositewhere the leading edge gasket 222 makes contact. This is bestillustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9. The trailing edge gasket 224 partiallydeforms to engage the outer surface 48 of the coaming 40 such that thetrailing edge gasket 224 curves to follow the contour of the coaming 40.In certain cases, the trailing edge gasket 224 may deform such that itprimarily engages the outer surface 48 of the coaming 40. However, itshould be appreciated that the trailing edge gasket 224 may partiallyengage with the top and/or inner surface 46 of the coaming 40 dependingon the amount of deformity and angle at which the trailing edge gasket224 is attached.

The angled positioning of the gaskets 222 and 224 on the elongated panel210 enables the door 200 to slide substantially horizontally between theclosed position and the open positions, without requiring a significantupward movement to engage or disengage the seal between the gaskets 222and 224 and the coaming 40. The sideways force on the elongated panel210, as well as contact with the running tracks 300 and locking clips400 (described in further detail below), causes a sufficient force to beapplied in a direction normal to the gaskets 222 and 224, such thatthere is no shearing effect on the gaskets 222 and 224. The appliedforce creates a seal between the gaskets 222 and 224 and the coaming 40.These forces are discussed in further detail below.

The end gasket assemblies 230 are positioned proximate to the front end212 and to the rear end 214 of the elongated panel 210. The end gasketassemblies 230 are configured to follow the contour of the coaming 40,to enable a seal to form between the gaskets and the coaming 40. The endgasket assemblies 230 are substantially identical, so only one will bediscussed in further detail herein. As best shown in FIG. 6, the endgasket assembly 230 includes a leading edge curved portion 232 and atrailing edge curved portion 234. The leading edge curved portion 232engages the inner surface 46 of the coaming 40 when the door 200 is inthe closed position, and the trailing edge curved portion 234 engagesthe outer surface 48 of the coaming 40 when the door 200 is in theclosed position. The leading edge curved portion 232 and the trailingedge curved portion 234 are connected to each other such that thecombination of the respective gaskets 222, 224, 232, and 234 provide acomplete seal with the coaming 40. FIG. 6 illustrates that the leadingedge curved portion 232 and the trailing edge curved portion 234 areseparate from the leading edge gasket 222 and the trailing edge gasket224. However, it should be appreciated that the leading edge curvedportion 232 may be a portion or extension of the leading edge gasket 222(i.e., not a separate gasket) and that the trailing edge curved portion234 may be a portion or extension of the trailing edge gasket 224 (i.e.,not a separate gasket) in accordance with the present disclosure. Inother words, the leading edge gasket 222, leading edge curved portion232, trailing edge gasket 224, and trailing edge curved portion 234 canbe either integrally formed such that they form a single gasket, or oneor more of the gaskets 222, 232, 224, and 234 may be separate from theother parts. The end gasket assembly 230, leading edge gasket 222, andtrailing edge gasket 224 may be made from rubber or any other suitablematerial in accordance with the present disclosure.

The plurality of running tracks 300 provide a surface on which the toprollers 510 of the roller assemblies 500 can roll. The exampleillustrated plurality of running tracks 300 each include (1) a flatportion 310 and (2) a curved portion 320. The flat portion 310 includesa top surface 312 and a bottom surface 314, and extends in a generallyhorizontal direction parallel to the ground. The curved portion 320includes a gradual downward curve that extends approximately 90 degreesand contacts the curved panel 30 of the roof 28. As discussed in furtherdetail below, the curved portion 320 engages the bottom roller 520 ofthe roller assembly 500 to provide a downward force on the door 200,thereby sealing the hopper car 10 when the door 200 is in the closedposition. The plurality of running tracks 300 are each attached to thecurved panel 30 of the roof 28 via one or more fasteners, welds, orother attachment mechanisms (not shown) in accordance with the presentdisclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the plurality of running tracks300 are spaced apart along the length of the roof 28, and are alignedwith respective roller assemblies 500. The plurality of running tracks300 are all positioned on the same side of the opening 50, and areoriented such that the flat portions 310 extend perpendicular to thelength of the opening 50. The plurality of running tracks 300collectively provide a base on which the door 200 rests when it is inthe partially and fully open positions. The running tracks 300 may bemade from steel or any other suitable material in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

The plurality of locking clips 400 are each configured to provide acontact point for the leading edge 216 of the elongated panel 210, suchthat when the door 200 is moved from the fully open position to theclosed position, various points of the leading edge 216 of the door 200contact the respectively locking clips 400.

Each example illustrated locking clip 400 includes (1) an uprightportion 410 and (2) an inwardly curved portion 420. The upright portion410 is suitably connected to the curved panel 30 of the roof 28 via oneor more fasteners, welds, or other attachment mechanisms (not shown) inaccordance with the present disclosure. The inwardly curved portion 420extends from the upright portion 410, and curves inward toward theopening 50. The plurality of locking clips 400 are attached to thecurved panel 30 of the roof 28 on the same side of the opening 50 aseach other, and opposite the plurality of running tracks 300. Asdiscussed in further detail below, the plurality of locking clips 400provide contact points for the leading edge 216 of hatch cover 200. Thecurved portion 420 of each locking clip 400 forces the leading edge 216of the elongated panel 210 down when a horizontal force is applied, togenerate a downward force on the door 200 when the door 200 is in theclosed position. The plurality of locking clips 400 are spaced apartalong the length of the roof 28. The plurality of locking clips 400 maybe the same number as the plurality of running tracks 300. The number oflocking clips 400 may be different from the number of running tracks300. The plurality of locking clips 400 may align with the plurality ofrunning tracks 300. Alternatively, the plurality of locking clips may bepositioned separate from or without regard for the position of theplurality of running tracks 300 in accordance with the presentdisclosure. In certain alternative embodiments, the hatch cover assemblyincludes only a single locking clip 400 such as a single locking clip400 that extends along a substantial or a full length of the door 200.The locking clips 400 may be made from steel or any other suitablematerial in accordance with the present disclosure. In one example, theplurality of locking clips 400 prevent the leading edge 216 of the door200 from lifting away from the coaming 40 when in the closed position.

The example illustrated roller assemblies 500 include (1) one or moretop rollers 510 and (2) one or more bottom rollers 520. Each rollerassembly 500 is configured to enable automatic movement (e.g., withoutrequiring the physical presence of a person) of the door 200 from thefully open position to the closed position and vice versa.

The top roller 510 and bottom roller 520 of each assembly are coupled tothe trailing edge 218 of the elongated panel 210. The top roller 510 isconfigured to engage and roll along the top surface 312 of the flatportion 310 of the running track 300. The top roller 510 is configuredto support the weight of the elongated panel 210 during a portion of themovement between the fully open and closed positions. When the door 200is in the closed position (e.g., such as shown in FIG. 9), the toproller 510 is disengaged from the running track 300 in this exampleembodiment of the present disclosure.

The bottom roller 520 is configured to engage and roll along the bottomsurface 314 of the flat portion 310 of the running track 300. The bottomroller 520 is configured to prevent the trailing edge 218 of theelongated panel 210 from rotating too far upward, and thus prevents theleading edge 216 from falling or dipping into the opening 50 in thisexample embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 8, when more than half of theweight of the door 200 is on the right side (leading side) of thecoaming 40, the coaming 40 acts as a fulcrum causing the door 200 toslightly rotate clockwise such that the leading edge 216 rotates downand the trailing edge 218 rotates upwardly. The bottom roller 520prevents the door 200 from rotating too far, and prevents the leadingedge 216 from dropping into the opening 50.

The bottom roller 520 also engages and rolls along the underside of thecurved portion 320 of the running track 300. As the door 200 is movedalong the running track 300, the bottom roller 520 reaches the curvedportion 320. Further horizontal force on the bottom roller 520 (from theactuator(s) 600) results in the transfer for the horizontal force into adownward force on the trailing edge 218 of the door 200. This isexplained in further detail below with respect to the operation of thehatch cover assembly 100.

Each roller assembly 500 may include a single top roller 510 and asingle bottom roller 520. It should be appreciated that the top roller510 may include two or more wheels, and/or the bottom roller 520 mayinclude two or more wheels in accordance with the present disclosure. Inaddition, it should be appreciated that the roller assemblies 500 may infact not include wheels, but rather may include a different mechanismfor providing the same function in accordance with the presentdisclosure. For example, rather than wheels, the top roller 510 and/orbottom roller 520 may be a rod, bar, peg, ski, or any other suitablemechanism that enables movement of the door 200 along the running track300 in accordance with the present disclosure.

In one example, the roller assembly 500 may include only a bottom roller520, and may not include a top roller 510. In this case, the door 200slides along the running track 400, but is not supported by a roller510. The bottom roller 520, however, operates as discussed above.

The example illustrated actuators 600 provide generally horizontalforces to move the door 200 from the closed position to the fully openposition and vice versa. In the illustrated embodiment, two actuators600 are employed, positioned respectively on the front and rear sides(i.e., A-End and B-End) of the roof 28. Each actuator 600 is coupled tothe curved panel 30 of the roof 28 via an actuator bracket 610, and oneor more fasteners, welds, or other attachment mechanisms (not labeled)in accordance with the present disclosure. Each actuator 600 is alsocoupled to the elongated panel 210, roller assembly 500, and/or anotherpart of the door 200 to enable movement of the door 200 with respect tothe opening 50. The attachment to the door 200 and/or roller assembly500 may be via one or more fasteners, welds, or other attachmentmechanisms (not labeled) in accordance with the present disclosure. Inthe illustrated example embodiment best shown in FIG. 4, the actuator600 is coupled to the roller assembly 500. Each actuator 600 may be anair cylinder, a hydraulic actuator, or some other type of actuator inaccordance with the present disclosure. Further, although the exampleillustrated embodiment includes two actuators 600, it should beappreciated that fewer or more actuators may be employed in accordancewith the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that thepositioning of the actuators 600 may proximate the ends of the door 200,in a middle of the door 200, or a combination of both in accordance withthe present disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 in particular, example operation ofthe example illustrated hatch cover assembly 100 attached to the examplehopper car 10 is described. FIG. 7 illustrates the hatch cover assembly100 in a fully open position. FIG. 8 illustrates the hatch coverassembly 100 in a partially open position. FIG. 9 illustrates the hatchcover assembly 100 in a closed position.

In FIG. 7, the door 200 is resting on the coaming 40 and the runningtrack 300 (via the top roller 510). To move to the closed position, theactuator(s) 600 provide horizontal forces on or to the door 200 (via aconnection to the door 200 and/or roller assembly 500) causing the door200 to slide to the right into the intermediate or partially openposition shown in FIG. 8.

During movement from the fully open position in FIG. 7 to the partiallyopen position in FIG. 8, the downwardly extending center portion 220slides along the curved top portion 44 of the coaming 40. The weight ofthe door 200 causes the door 200 to tip or rotate clockwise, causing theleading edge 216 to move downwardly and the trailing edge 218 to moveupwardly. The bottom roller 520 contacts the bottom surface 314 of therunning track 300, preventing the door 200 from rotating further.

To move to the closed position, the actuator(s) 600 continue to move thedoor 200 in a substantially horizontal direction to the right into theposition shown in FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, the door 200 is in the closedposition. Just prior to the position shown in FIG. 9, the leading edge216 of the elongated panel 210 contacts the locking clip 400. Afterinitial contact is made between the leading edge 216 and the lockingclip 400, the additional horizontal force on the door 200 causes thelocking clip 400 to further push the leading edge 216 downwardly ontothe coaming 40. At the same time, the bottom roller 520 contacts thecurved portion 320 of the running track 300. Additional horizontal forceon the door 200 causes the bottom roller 520 to roll downwardlyfollowing the curvature of the running track 300. This forces thetrailing edge 218 downward onto the coaming 40. The combination of (1)the downward forces by the locking clip 400 and the bottom roller 520and (2) the horizontal force(s) from the actuator(s) 600 provides anangled force acting on the leading edge gasket 222 and trailing edgegasket 224. The resulting force is sufficient to engage the seal betweenthe leading edge gasket 222 and the inside surface 46 of the coaming 40,and between the trailing edge gasket 224 and the outside surface 48 ofthe coaming 40. Thus, the example hatch cover assembly 100 disclosedherein provides a seal for the hopper car, and enables substantiallyhorizontal movement to transition from the fully open position to theclosed position and vice versa. As such, smaller actuators and movementcomponents can be used for the same weight door, compared with a doorthat opens upwardly on a hinge. Furthermore, the example hatch coverassembly disclosed herein enables a large portion of the weight of thedoor to be supported by the running tracks 300 and coaming 40 ratherthan the actuator, even when transitioning from the fully open positionto the closed position.

FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 illustrate a second example hatch cover assemblyincluding many of the same features as shown in the hatch cover assembly100 of FIGS. 1-9.

FIG. 10, in particular, illustrates an enlarged bottom perspective viewof the second hatch cover assembly in the closed position. FIG. 10 showsa door 1200 from below, a coaming 1040, and a curved panel 1030 of theroof of the hopper car. The coaming 1040 and curved panel may be similaror identical to the coaming 40 and curved panel 30 discussed above.

The door 1200 may be similar or identical to the door 200 describedabove, in one or more respects. However, different from the door 200,the door 1200 includes, (1) a plurality of runners 1220 and (2) aplurality of corresponding wire bridges 1221. The runners 1220 extenddownwardly from a central portion of the door 1200, transverse to thedirection of movement of the door 1220. The runners 1220 act as runningsurfaces supporting the door 1200, contacting the coaming 1040 as thedoor 1200 slides from the fully open position to the closed position andvice versa

The plurality of wire bridges are each rotatably coupled to one of therunners 1220. Each wire bridge may be identical and operate in the samemanner, so only one will be described in detail herein. Wire bridge 1221is configured to extend below the door 1200. In the open position (shownbest in FIG. 11), the wire bridge 1221 is positioned between the door1200 and the coaming 1040. The wire bridge 1221 prevents the door 1220from slipping down and causing the leading edge gasket 1222 to contactthe coaming 1040 when in the open position. This enables the door 1200to fully open, by having the leading edge of the door 1200 supported bythe wire bridge 1221.

Then, when transitioning from the fully open position shown in FIG. 11to the closed position shown in FIG. 12, the wire bridge 1221 supportsthe door 1200 as it slides along the coaming 1040, until the door 1200slides past the point where the wire bridge is connected to the runner1220. The wire bridge 1221 then rotates downward, and freely hangs fromthe runner 1220. This is illustrated in the closed position shown inFIG. 12.

When transitioning from the closed position to the fully open position,the door 1200 begins to slide open (i.e., to the left in FIGS. 10, 11,and 12). When the door slides far enough that the wire bridge 1221contacts the coaming 1040, the wire bridge 1221 begins to rotate upward.The door 1200 continues to slide open, causing the wire bridge 1221 torotate to a substantially horizontal position (shown in FIG. 11). Inthis position, the wire bridge 1221 extends laterally past the leadingedge gasket 1222, thereby protecting the leading edge gasket 1222 fromcoming into contact with the coaming 1040 when in the fully openposition.

The wire bridge 1221 is illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 as being alooped wire that is rotatably attached to the runner 1220. However, itshould be understood that the wire bridge may be any other suitablematerial, shape, or configuration that is configured to protect theleading edge gasket from contact with the coaming when in the fully openposition. As such, wire bridge 1221 may be made from plastic, steel, ametal alloy, or any other suitable material.

Various components are described according to specific embodiments shownin the Figures. It should be appreciated that these components may havedifferent shapes, orientations, and/or arrangements than thosespecifically shown. For example, opening 50 is shown as an obroundopening, and it should be appreciated that other shaped openings may beused. In addition, the shapes of the running tracks 300, locking clips400, coaming 40, and door 200 components may be different than thoseshown. These examples are not an exhaustive list, and it should beappreciated that other components described herein may have differentshapes, sizes, connections, and/or orientations while maintaining thesame functionality as those shown in the figures.

It will be understood that modifications and variations may be effectedwithout departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the presentinvention, and it is understood that this application is to be limitedonly by the scope of the claims.

1. A hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly comprising: a running track connectable to a roof of a hopper railroad car a door movable from an open position to a closed position relative to a coaming of the hopper railroad car, the door supportable by the running track when in the open position; a roller assembly attached to the door and movable along the running track; a locking clip engageable with a leading edge of the door; and an actuator configured to move the door between the open position and the closed position.
 2. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the door includes a leading edge gasket and a trailing edge gasket each engageable with the coaming of the hopper car.
 3. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 2, wherein the leading edge gasket is engageable with an inner surface of the coaming, and wherein the trailing edge gasket is engageable with an outer surface of the coaming.
 4. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 3, wherein the leading edge gasket and the trailing edge gasket are engageable with coaming at approximately a same angle.
 5. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 3, wherein the leading edge gasket and the trailing edge gasket are engageable with the coaming at respective angles of between 30 and 60 degrees.
 6. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the roller assembly includes a top roller movable along a top surface of the running track when in the open position and during movement of the door between the open position and closed position.
 7. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 6, wherein the top roller is disengaged from the running track when the door is in the closed position and in the open position.
 8. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the roller assembly includes a bottom roller moveable along a bottom surface of the running track.
 9. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 8, wherein bottom roller is configured to provide a downward sealing force to a trailing edge of the door.
 10. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the door includes a downwardly extending center portion slideable along the coaming of the hopper car when the door moves between the open position and the closed position.
 11. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking clip includes an upright portion and an inwardly curved portion, and wherein the inwardly curved portion is engageable with the leading edge of the door.
 12. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking clip is configured to provide a downward sealing force to the leading edge of the door.
 13. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 1, which includes an end gasket assembly.
 14. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 13, wherein the end gasket assembly includes a first portion engageable with an inner surface of the coaming of the hopper car, and a second portion engageable with an outer surface of the coaming of the hopper car.
 15. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 14, wherein a shape of the end gasket assembly is a semicircular arc, and wherein the first portion includes a first half of the semicircular arc, and the second portion includes a second half of the semicircular arc.
 16. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 1, which includes a wire bridge rotatably attached to the door, the wire bridge movable between a first position when the door is in the open position, and a second position when the door is in the closed position, wherein in the first position the wire bridge extends between the door and the coaming, and in the second position the wire bridge hangs downwardly from the door.
 17. The hopper railroad car hatch cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator is configured to move the door in a substantially horizontal direction between the open position and the closed position
 18. A hopper car comprising: a frame; spaced apart side walls; a roof connected to the side walls and including a coaming defining an opening in the roof; and a hatch cover assembly including: a running track connectable to the roof; a door moveable from an open position to a closed position relative to the coaming; a roller assembly attached to the door and moveable along the running track; a locking clip engageable with a leading edge of the door; and an actuator configured to move the door between the open position and the closed position.
 19. The hopper car of claim 18, wherein the door includes a leading edge gasket engageable with an inner surface of the coaming, and a trailing edge gasket engageable with an outer surface of the coaming.
 20. The hopper car of claim 18, wherein the roller assembly includes a bottom roller engageable with a bottom surface of the running track and configured to provide a downward sealing force to a trailing edge of the door.
 21. The hopper car of claim 18, wherein the locking clip includes an upright portion and an inwardly curved portion, and wherein the inwardly curved portion is engageable with the leading edge of the door and configured to provide a downward sealing force to the leading edge of the door.
 22. The hopper car of claim 18, which includes an end gasket assembly having a first portion engageable with an inner surface of the coaming, and a second portion engageable with an outer surface of the coaming.
 23. The hopper car of claim 18, wherein the hatch cover assembly includes a wire bridge rotatably attached to the door, the wire bridge movable between a first position when the door is in the open position, and a second position when the door is in the closed position, wherein in the first position the wire bridge extends between the door and the coaming, and in the second position the wire bridge hangs downwardly from the door.
 24. The hopper car of claim 18, wherein the an actuator is configured to move the door in a substantially horizontal direction between the open position and the closed position 